| Member Since | Name | Years of Service | Div/Bureau |
| December | Sue Joseph | 30 | Water |
Johnson, Rose "Betty"
MARION
Rose E. (Betty) Johnson, 89, died August 22, 2020, under Hospice care at her long-term care residence in Bedford, Texas.
Rose was born November 22, 1930, in Middletown, Ohio to Albert and Grace Hartman. Several years later, her parents moved to Woodruff, WI where she attended High School. She married Fred S. Johnson, Jr. on January 23, 1954.
She had a great career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources where she retired on January 6, 1996, after 34 years of service.
Resources where she retired on January 6, 1996, after 34 years of service. Rose began her career as a typist in January 1962. She was recognized for outstanding performance with multiple promotions and advancements over the years, and retired as a Financial Specialist Supervisor 5. At retirement, Rose received a commendation from the Natural Resources Board for her “outstanding career, and her knowledge and understanding of the Department’s financial systems, unsurpassed within the agency.” Rose earned the commendation “due an exemplary public employee.”
Rose was a longstanding member of the United Methodist Church of the Pines, and a member of Masonic Order 242 serving in the Eastern Star and White Shrine.
She is survived by her two sons Albert (Cara) of North Richland Hills, Texas; and Tim (Carey) of Rockwall, Texas; her daughter Chyrl (Renae) of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; four grandchildren Trace (Renee), Bailey (Jeremy), Kaylah (Josh), and Shane (Valerie); five great grandchildren; and multiple cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, brother Richard, and parents.
Visitation for will be held on Monday, August 31st from 10:00 am till 11:00 am at the Nimsgern Funeral Home in Woodruff, WI with Funeral Services at 11:00 am with Rev. Erv Teichmiller officiating. Burial will be at Forest Garden Memorial Cemetery in Woodruff.
WE LOVE AND MISS YOU MOM! BUT AS MUCH AS WE WISH YOU WERE HERE, IT IS A BLESSING TO KNOW THAT AFTER 24 YEARS, YOU AND DAD ARE TOGETHER AGAIN.
Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com
Swingen, Marjorie (Marge) A.
SPRINGFIELD, MO
On Aug. 1, 2020, Marjorie (Marge) A. Swingen, age 100, passed away peacefully at the Glendale Gardens in Springfield, MO.
She was born in Paducah, Ill., in 1919, daughter of Edward and Clarice Stevens.
On Dec. 1, 1945, she was married to Ellsworth (Ellz) Swingen in Fort Atkinson, WI.
After marriage they settled in Stoughton, Wis. Marge worked in Stoughton for several years before going to work for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources where she worked for 20 years.
After retirement she learned to golf, and they joined a couple’s league at the Monona Golf Course. She and Ellz enjoyed dancing, golfing, and traveling. They took numerous trips and family gatherings together over the years. Ellz died in 2010. In 2016, Marge moved to Springfield, MO to be closer to her daughter. Marge loved jazz, big band music and watching reruns of Lawrence Welk.
Marge is survived by a sister, Lois of Fond du Lac, Wis.; son, Douglas (Judi) Swingen of Bush, La.; daughter, Yvonne (Art) Sorenson from Springfield, Mo.; nine grandchildren, Sena, Sara, Jorli, Tia, Chad, Sonya, Todd, Jeni and Lindsey; eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Ellsworth; a son, James Ellsworth Swingen; a daughter-in-law, Enid Swingen; seven sisters and brothers.
Marge will be laid to rest adjacent to Ellz at a private service at the Roselawn Mausoleum in Monona, Wis.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at:
Seifert, Jack Lawrence
EAGLE RIVER
Jack Lawrence Seifert, 69, born and raised in Eagle River, Wisconsin passed away on Tuesday, July 21 at the University of Missouri Hospital with his family at his bedside. Jack currently was living in Fulton (Hams Prairie), Missouri.
Jack was born on February 23, 1951 in Rhinelander, WI to James Walter Seifert and Iris Laneen (Cook) Seifert. Jack attended Christ Lutheran School in Eagle River and graduated from Northland Pines High School. As a youth he enjoyed participating in the school art and drama programs as well as all the sports of the Northwoods - hockey, skiing, all kinds of fishing and hunting.
Jack received a B.S. degree in Resource Management with a minor in Environmental Studies and Outdoor Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He was an avid outdoors man and enjoyed many years of fishing, trapping, hunting and even dog sled racing. Jack was recognized for his teamwork and leadership in fighting forest fires in Wisconsin and the western United States. For many years Jack was employed with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and enjoyed many years of work in the environment he loved most. Not only did he pass on his love and experience of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren, but he also served in many youth education programs through his early conservation work at Trees for Tomorrow Environmental Center and later with the Department of Natural Resources. After retiring from the DNR Jack went on to operate Seifert’s Field and Forest L.L.C. He conducted prescribed burns, prairie restoration and herbicide control in the Midwest.
Jack enjoyed his years living in Key Largo, Florida along the Atlantic Ocean. He loved the warm weather, ocean view and of course the fishing. During the past few years Jack lived in Missouri to be near his daughter, Brooke, and her family. Here he enjoyed deer hunting with all of them, attending ice skating shows as well as baseball, basketball and volleyball games as his health allowed, and as always, making new friends.
Jack is survived by daughter, Brooke Seifert Hewitt (Jason) and grandchildren Zachary and Hannah of Holts Summit, MO; older brothers Ken Seifert (Fran)of Carmichael, CA and Jim Seifert (Jo) of Tucson, AZ; cousins Mike, Bill and Tom Shields; Bud and John Seifert; Janine Jolin, Betty Jo Held, Margaret Walker, Kathy Cross and Susan Vogel; many second and third cousins; and a lifetime of close family friends.
He is preceded in death by his son, Nathan Seifert; infant daughter Hope Seifert; Father, Jim Seifert and Mother, Iris (Cook) Seifert; and many beloved Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles.
Jack’s family wants to acknowledge all those across the country who have become his friends. No matter where he was - Wisconsin, Florida, Missouri - he continued to make long lasting friendships that he often joined to share coffee and breakfast. Jack’s family could not be more thankful and proud for the many great lessons, learning and experiences he taught all of us.
True to Jack’s wishes, Pastor Bill Trosien will be conducting an outdoor graveside service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at the Eagle River Cemetery.
An informal outdoor gathering for family and friends will immediately follow the service at Riverside Park in Eagle River.
Schmoller, Raymond M. "Mike"
MADISON
Mike passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Sunday, June 28, 2020, after returning home from a neighborhood walk. He will be missed deeply by his family, friends and colleagues. Mike was born in Waukesha on December 30, 1955, the son of Raymond and Laverne (Schultz) Schmoller.
Mike was a loving spouse and a dedicated father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Anne Biebel, Cross Plains; son, Daniel (Jenn Yee) Schmoller, Menomonee Falls; daughter, Mary Beth (Dane) Small, Aspen, Colorado; grand-daughter, Addison Schmoller, Menomonee Falls; mother Laverne “Bernie” Schmoller, Waukesha; and sister, Sandy (Bob) Gardener, Sequim, Washington.
Mike is further survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Diane Traxler Schmoller, Madison.
He was preceded in death by his father Raymond Schmoller of Waukesha in 1988.
After graduating from UW-Stevens Point and completing graduate studies at UW-Madison, Mike began work in 1982 with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. After thirty-eight years, he was planning to retire at the end of 2020 from his position as the Regional Spills Coordinator-Hydrogeologist for South Central Wisconsin. Mike was passionate about his work and deeply admired by his colleagues for his intelligence, work ethic and competence.
Mike loved all sports, excelled at them and instilled these interests in his children, Mary Beth and Daniel. Mike was the best dad ever and on the sideline for every game or sporting event. From hockey to soccer to football to horse shows to softball to karate, he provided unwavering support and encouragement. Some of the best times he shared with Daniel and Mary Beth were bluegill fishing on Lake Mendota and pheasant hunting in Iowa. Every July you could find Mike and his kids fishing for walleye on Lake Mamakwash in Ontario, Canada.
In addition to his love for the outdoors, Mike was an avid sportsman and recently enjoyed several pheasant and duck hunting trips to Iowa, South Dakota and Missouri. Mike excelled at skeet shooting and relished his visits to the gun range, an activity he enjoyed the morning of his death. Mike adored his dogs and trained them as hunting companions. He is missed by his black labs DD and Raven, with whom he shared many happy adventures.
Mike’s involvement in his community also is notable. Mike served as a Coach for the youth football program at St. Francis Xavier over many seasons, often putting together a winning team. Mike had also served as a member of the Cross Plains Village Board and was formerly a member of the Cross Plains Emergency Medical Services Rescue team. It would be hard to find a more down-to-earth, stand-up guy than Mike Schmoller.
Heartfelt thanks to those who came to help Mike in his time of need, including Lieutenant Kim Ready of the Cross Plains Police Department, the Cross Plains EMS, the Cross Plains Fire Department, the City of Middleton Paramedics and the Dane County Medical Examiner. Your care and professionalism were deeply appreciated.
Unfortunately a memorial gathering for Mike will be delayed until safer conditions prevail relative to the covid virus.
Blattner, Thomas
MAZOMANIE
His first job after graduation was as a research chemist for Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company. He also worked at Bordon Foods before beginning the favorite chapter of his career: UW-Madison. Tom was hired as academic staff to manage Babcock Hall dairy plant, teach, and do research. For 22 years he proudly taught the farm short course in dairy processing. By retirement in 2008 he had advanced to administration in the food science department and achieved emeritus status. He often said it was the best job he ever had, and he truly valued and appreciated his clever and considerate coworkers.
He was an active member of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, having served on the picnic committee and parish council, and was a member of the Knight’s of Columbus and the St Vincent de Paul Society. He also volunteered at Sauk Prairie Hospital, St Vincent Food Pantry, and RSVP by bringing people to their appointments. Woodworking, hiking, astronomy, chess, classical and bluegrass music, travel and photography were some of his many interests. He was a commonsense and practical self-taught handyman for his and his children’s homes. He tried to never miss getting together with the Mazomanie ROMEOs or Madison Bike and Bowl.
It was at a party for a departing serviceman in the summer of 1965 that he met Barbara Ann Brill. Immediately they knew this also was chemistry. They were married in January 1969, and commemorated 50 years together in 2019 with a fantastic party of family and friends gathered over a lifetime.
His absolute proudest accomplishment were his children and grandchildren. He was dearly loved and will be terribly missed by Rebecca Ann (Eric) Powers, Zachary, Colby and Isaac; Jennifer Elizabeth (Thomas) Wankerl, Solomon, Scarlett, Haven, Violet, Opal and Hazel; Peter Michael Blattner and Benton; and Kathryn Therese (Benjamin) Seibel, Maxwell, Theresa, Samuel and Nora. He is survived by Margaret (Daniel) Nencka and Richard (Shari) Blattner.
He was preceded in death by siblings Mildred (Sebastian) Bea, James (Lori), John (Cathy), and Charles.
A private service was held July 18, exactly 55 years after first meeting Barbara. Interment at St Francis Xavier columbarium, Cross Plains, WI.
Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy. – proverb
Riley, Julia Bledsoe,
MADISON
across Wisconsin protect the quality of their water. Julia was a devoted Girl Scout Leader, Qigong Master, and intrepid world traveler. Julia was deeply spiritual and had a strong affinity for nature and the outdoors. She especially enjoyed spending time in the Pheasant Branch Conservancy.
Julia is survived by her daughter, Hannah Riley (Aneidys) Reyes; grandson, Aramis Reyes; brother-in-law Vince Dutcher; nephew Cole Dutcher; and former husband, David Riley (Colette Sisco). She was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Bledsoe; mother, Marjorie Bledsoe; brother, Stanley Bledsoe; sister, Linda Dutcher; and beloved dog Lettie.
An online memorial will be held on Friday, July 3, 2020, at 1 p.m. CDT via a Zoom link. Please check back on the Gunderson website to get the link. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider making a donation in Julia’s memory to the Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Middleton, Wis., or an organization of your choice. Online condolences may be made at
Robert “Bob” T. Dumke, age 76, a resident of Webb Lake passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2020.
Bob was born on June 17, 1943 in Minneapolis, MN to parents; Willard and Carol Dumke.
Bob was a 1961 graduate of West High in Minneapolis. He went on to the University of MN where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Management in 1966. He worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as the Bureau Director for the biologist of wildlife research for over 30 years.
Gottwald, Paul J.
PARK FALLS
Bancroft, Genevieve "Gen"
POYNETTE
Bancroft, Genevieve "Gen"
Gen Bancroft, age 89, passed away peacefully at home June 2, 2020.
Gen was born Jan. 20, 1931, to Frank and Sophia Richwalski in East Chicago, Ind. She married William J. Bancroft Feb. 9, 1954. Together they raised two daughters, Ann Bancroft and Sara Bancroft, on their farm in Dekorra.
Bill and Gen met at UW-Madison. Their first date was an early morning flight in Bill’s Stinson plane.
This was the beginning of a journey filled with wanderlust. Gen was passionate about rocks, guns and her grandkids, Dawson Bancroft Short and William Bancroft Short. She graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in geology. She was a member of the Hoofers and climbed at Devil’s Lake. Her favorite memory was climbing the Grand Teton in the early 1950’s.
Gen is survived by her daughters, Ann Bancroft-Bohling (Dan) and Sara Bancroft-Short (Paul); grandchildren, Dawson Bancroft-Short (Lily) and William Bancroft-Short; as well as many special nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Bancroft; her brothers, Ed Richwalski and Frank Richwalski; and her sister, Adele Richwalski.
Her family will return her to the Mountain Top, in lieu of a funeral. A celebration of life will be held for family at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Columbia County Alzheimer Alliance Group. The family would like to thank Agrace HospiceCare for their guidance and support the last two weeks. The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.
James (Jim) Michael Hughes
MADISON
James, 68, died by suicide on Tuesday, May 19, at his home.
He was born October 11, 1951, in Fort Leonard Wood, MO, to Ed and Lorraine (Chirhart) Juza (later changed to Hughes). Jim lived most of his life in Madison, graduating from Memorial High School, Madison Area Technical College, and the University of Wisconsin School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Jim served in the U.S. Army and was retired from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Air Management Program.
Jim loved the outdoors and was a long-time natural areas volunteer who worked to restore native oak savanna, wetlands, and prairie with the Friends of Cherokee Marsh, Dane County Parks, Madison Parks, and the Wisconsin DNR.
Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Jan Axelson, sister Mary Hughes (Krieg) Hoddinott, brother Kevin (Diane) Hughes, and his nephews, niece, cousins, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth and his parents.
The family will announce a gathering at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Wisconsin Public Radio or the Foundation for the Dane County Parks Endowment Fund. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
608-249-8257
Howard "Stan" Druckenmiller
MADISON
Howard S. “Stan” Druckenmiller, age 75, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2020 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg. Stan was born in Washington DC, to Howard Druckenmiller and Sylvia (Johnston) Druckenmiller. He met his wife Jean while attending Colorado State University. They married in 1966. After graduating from CSU in 1968, Stan and Jean moved to Madison where he began his career as a Fisheries Manager for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
During his 32-year career with DNR, Stan rose through the ranks, becoming a Bureau Director, Division Administrator and Executive Assistant to the Secretary. His many accomplishments included establishment of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program that provides major funding for acquiring land for parks, natural areas, forests, hunting, fishing and recreation. He also built partnerships with nonprofit Land Trusts and local governments to protect and manage Wisconsin’s most sensitive landscapes.
Stan was a key leader in creating the Lower Wisconsin Riverway to preserve the scenic value and ecological integrity of the wild, undeveloped 92-mile free-flowing segment of the Wisconsin River. As Director of the Bureau of Environmental Impact, Stan supervised review of numerous projects including siting of coal and nuclear power plants, routing oil/gas lines, high-voltage transmission lines, highways, airports and mining projects. Stan was always a man of principle who left a lasting legacy by bettering Wisconsin’s management and protection of its natural resources.
Stan enjoyed wood working, reading, photography, volunteering for the Friends of Wisconsin Public Television, Madison Audubon, Habitat for Humanity and spending time with family. He is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Dr. Patrick (Lisa) Druckenmiller; granddaughter Maggie and brother Vic (Nancy). He was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Sylvia Druckenmiller and his sister Patricia.
He will be profoundly missed by his family, former colleagues, and fellow volunteers. The family wishes to thank UW Health, Agrace Hospice Care and their staff who tenderly cared for Stan in his final months. Memorials may be made to Madison Audubon/Goose Pond Sanctuary, Dane County Humane Society, or PBS Wisconsin. Due to current health restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Glen Lee Nelson
SUN PRAIRIE
Glenn Lee Nelson, age 89, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020, at New Perspective in Sun Prairie. He was born on Oct. 14, 1930, in Kenosha, the son of Gotfred and Oline (Curtiss) Nelson.
Glenn graduated from Wilmot High School in 1948 and Beloit College in 1954. He served in the U.S. Army from June 1955 until his honorable discharge in June 1957. He married Shirley Schmidt on Jan. 20, 1951, in Dubuque, Iowa.
Glenn worked as a personnel manager for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, retiring in 1989. He was an avid golfer, loved watching the Packers, Badgers and Cubs, and was a proud Green Bay Packers Shareholder.
Glenn is survived by his three daughters, Barbara (Chuck) Carter, Cyndy DePrimo, and Cathy (John) Jellings; son, Curtiss (Kelly) Nelson; granddaughters, Erika Carter and Pam (Jim) Chapman; grandson, Nate Nelson; great-grandchildren, Sam Chapman and Jessica Chapman; and sister, Joyce (Len) Toepper. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; brother, Keith Nelson; sister, Jean Lyons; and son-in-law, Anthony “Tony” S. DePrimo.
Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. A public celebration of life will be planned for a later date. Glenn’s family would like thank Dr. Leo Schug and Agrace HospiceCare for the kind and compassionate care they gave him. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com
Eric P. Syftestad
MADISON
Eric P. Syftestad
On Monday, April 13, 2020, Eric P. Syftestad passed away peacefully at Agrace Hospice & Palliative Care, in Madison, Wis., at the age of 61, surrounded by the love of his family.
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Eric was predeceased by his father, Paul Syftestad, and will be sadly missed by his mother, Jean, and siblings, Karin, Kristin, Peter (Kristin) and Paul (Jill).
Nieces and nephews, Kristina, Christopher, Lezer, Emma, Claire, Olivia, Kathryn, and many other extended family and friends will remember Eric fondly.
Eric’s career spanned 34 years at Wisconsin Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) as a Waste Management Engineer. His avocations included refereeing Madison City League and High School basketball. Eric enjoyed conversation with family and friends, European travel, spectacular sunsets, the UW Campus and Memorial Union Terrace, and driving the Wisconsin countryside enjoying the charm of all the towns along the way. Eric embraced life, lived in the moment and enjoyed every day. He will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved him.
A private family service will be held at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage. Interment of Eric’s cremated remains will be held at Silver Lake Cemetery. A “gathering” in honor of Eric will be planned at a later date as we are currently observing Covid-19 guidelines.
If so desired and as your expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the UW Carbone Cancer Center or Wis. Public TV would be appreciated and may be made directly or through the
In light of COVID-19, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are closely following guidelines from the Department of Health Services (DHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO). We continue to receive the most up-to-date information, including new guidance from DHS which recommends canceling or postponing gatherings of 10 people or more to help protect Wisconsinites from the spread of COVID-19, particularly those who are most vulnerable to infection and severe disease. As such, the in-person portion of the 72 public meetings known as the Spring Hearings that were to be held in each county on April 13 are canceled. The public will continue to have the opportunity to provide input on the natural resources advisory questions from the DNR, Natural Resources Board (NRB), and WCC through the online input option. The online input option will go live at 7 p.m. on April 13 and will remain open for three days (72 hours). If you have questions or issues with the online input option or wish to submit a citizen resolution, please email: SpringHearingInfo@Wisconsin.gov |
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Robert O. Ellingson
AMHERST JUNCTION
Robert O. Ellingson
Robert Ole Ellingson, 91, of the Town of New Hope, Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2020 . Bob was born in Iola, Wisconsin on May 18, 1928, a son of the late Myrtle (Roe) and Maurice J Ellingson. He married Beverly Jane Berg in 1950. She preceded him in death on March 11th, 2018.
Bob graduated from Iola High School in 1946. He graduated from UWSP in 1950 and served in the Korean War and was a Bronze Star recipient. He lived and taught high school in Marquette, Michigan for 2 years
(1954-1956), moved to Madison Wisconsin and worked for the Wisconsin Conservation Department for 34 years retiring in 1998. He served as chair for the Conservation Congress for several years. Bob & Bev moved to the family homestead in Amherst Jct. in 2001. Bob was active at the North New Hope Lutheran Church where he served as Council President and Sexton of the church cemetery. In 2007, he co-founded the annual "Drive Your Tractor To Church Sunday". His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening. He always looked forward to visiting with friends and spending time with his family, which was his pride and joy.
He is survived by five sons, Robert O. Ellingson Jr. and wife Pam of Lakewood, Wisconsin; Mark J. and wife Tammie of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin; Paul and wife Krissanne of Madison, Wisconsin; James and Cyndy of Blue Mounds, Wisconsin; David and wife Laura of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Bob was also preceded in death by his siblings, John, Mary Olson, Richard and Sidney.
A Memorial Service for Bob will be held at North New Hope Lutheran Church at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 21st, with Reverend Michael Peuse officiating. Memorial Visitation will be held at the church on Friday 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North New Hope Lutheran Church Scholarship Endowment Fund and Cemetery Fund. Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com
Voie Funeral Home
120 S. Main St
Iola, WI. 54945
715-445-2560
